2001 Audi A4 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Audi A4 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Audi A4 (248 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Audi A4 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Audi A4 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Audi A4, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2001 Audi A4 (330 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Audi A4 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Audi | Mercury |
| Model | A4 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2976 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2690 mm |
